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Trouble #1
Trouble Comes Knocking
It’s hard not to answer when trouble comes knocking.
A girl who can’t forget…
Twenty-two-year-old Lucy Carver is like Sherlock Holmes in ballet flats, but her eidetic memory is more albatross than asset, and something she usually keeps hidden. When she notices that something’s amiss at her dead-end job, she jumps at the chance to finally use her ability for good. That is, until, a man is murdered, and she becomes the target of the killer.
A detective on his first case…
Detective Eli Reyes is overbearing, pompous, way too hot for Lucy’s own good, and seems as determined to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend, John, as finding the murderer. He brings Lucy in on the case, thinking she can help him get to the truth, only to cut her loose when he realizes he’s gotten far more than he ever bargained for.
A past that won’t go away…
When memories from her childhood invade her present, Lucy discovers a mystery bigger than she could have imagined. With the killer still after her, and Eli nowhere to be found, she takes things into her own hands, determined to expose the truth no matter what—before trouble comes knocking…again.
A girl who can’t forget…
Twenty-two-year-old Lucy Carver is like Sherlock Holmes in ballet flats, but her eidetic memory is more albatross than asset, and something she usually keeps hidden. When she notices that something’s amiss at her dead-end job, she jumps at the chance to finally use her ability for good. That is, until, a man is murdered, and she becomes the target of the killer.
A detective on his first case…
Detective Eli Reyes is overbearing, pompous, way too hot for Lucy’s own good, and seems as determined to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend, John, as finding the murderer. He brings Lucy in on the case, thinking she can help him get to the truth, only to cut her loose when he realizes he’s gotten far more than he ever bargained for.
A past that won’t go away…
When memories from her childhood invade her present, Lucy discovers a mystery bigger than she could have imagined. With the killer still after her, and Eli nowhere to be found, she takes things into her own hands, determined to expose the truth no matter what—before trouble comes knocking…again.
- GenresNew Adult
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2013
About the author
Mary Duncanson
1 book6 followersMary Duncanson, who also writes as Mary Malcolm, lives in North Texas with a menagerie of animals and feral roommates. She is currently looking to adopt a husband, preferably housebroken, preferably as silly as her. When she’s not corraling her household, she’s talking to the characters in her head and hoping they talk back. When she’s not doing all that, she can be found wandering around Central Market with a happy, drooly foodie look on her face. Do not judge her, it is her Mecca. Mary’s been writing since she was a teenager though spent quite a few years studying toward becoming a doctor before she realized she wanted to be a full-time author. Unfortunately, the people who own her student loans still want to be paid for the years they supported her medical dreams. Mary lives on a steady diet of coffee and chocolate and believes, like Eleanor Roosevelt, that people should believe in the beauty of their dreams. She also believes people should ignore the word should because really, it’s kind of a judgmental word. Mary dreams of one day living as a full-time, well paid novelist (hint, hint) and also of one day traveling to Chile to pay homage to her soul mate, Pablo Neruda.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 31, 2013
2.5 stars
I love that the New Adult genre is starting to stray a bit from the usual format. I’ve stopped reading it altogether because of its repetitive, formulaic nature, but Trouble Comes Knocking seemed different from the start, which is why I decided to give it a chance. Romance is an important part of this story, but it’s not at the forefront. The characters here are young and Lucy still lives with her aunt, but she is out of college, and so are her friends/romantic interests. They have already started living their adult lives.
Lucy is someone I could have liked a lot, were she sufficiently developed as a character, but she wasn’t. The length of the story, which is somewhere between a novella and a full length novel, made proper development of characters and plot virtually impossible. The only thing that was fully developed (which I suppose says enough about the planning of this narrative) was the dreaded love triangle. Lucy has feelings for two men – one she’s allowed to be with, and one she’s not. What bothered me was that she started having feelings for both of them in a matter of days, which made me doubt the quality and intensity of those feelings. It was, however, clear who she really wanted to be with, but that didn’t make me feel any better at all.
The story constantly jumped back and forth in time, between Lucy’s questioning at the police station, and past events she was being questioned about. These jumps happened without any kind of warning, which made them a bit awkward and exhausting at first. Even when it’s well done, it is a narrative technique that never works for me, and it didn’t work now. I would have much preferred a linear story.
The last 10% opened up a whole new story for Lucy, a mystery that will probably be pursued in the next book. I doubt I’ll read it myself, but I might change my mind once it’s out. If I do, I hope I’ll get a better understanding of these characters; wasted potential always makes me so sad.
I love that the New Adult genre is starting to stray a bit from the usual format. I’ve stopped reading it altogether because of its repetitive, formulaic nature, but Trouble Comes Knocking seemed different from the start, which is why I decided to give it a chance. Romance is an important part of this story, but it’s not at the forefront. The characters here are young and Lucy still lives with her aunt, but she is out of college, and so are her friends/romantic interests. They have already started living their adult lives.
Lucy is someone I could have liked a lot, were she sufficiently developed as a character, but she wasn’t. The length of the story, which is somewhere between a novella and a full length novel, made proper development of characters and plot virtually impossible. The only thing that was fully developed (which I suppose says enough about the planning of this narrative) was the dreaded love triangle. Lucy has feelings for two men – one she’s allowed to be with, and one she’s not. What bothered me was that she started having feelings for both of them in a matter of days, which made me doubt the quality and intensity of those feelings. It was, however, clear who she really wanted to be with, but that didn’t make me feel any better at all.
The story constantly jumped back and forth in time, between Lucy’s questioning at the police station, and past events she was being questioned about. These jumps happened without any kind of warning, which made them a bit awkward and exhausting at first. Even when it’s well done, it is a narrative technique that never works for me, and it didn’t work now. I would have much preferred a linear story.
The last 10% opened up a whole new story for Lucy, a mystery that will probably be pursued in the next book. I doubt I’ll read it myself, but I might change my mind once it’s out. If I do, I hope I’ll get a better understanding of these characters; wasted potential always makes me so sad.
January 28, 2014
Trouble Comes Knocking was nothing like I expected. The saying, 'Never Judge A Book By Its Cover' could not be more relevant. I was expecting a crime/mystery with a timid mousey girl, instead I got Lucy, a vibrant young thing with some sass and a mystery all of her own. I read this book in 2 sittings, if I hadn't started it at 10pm one night I would have read it in one - I really struggled to put it down.
Although Lucy is a little 'sexually deprived' the book would easily be suitable for YA of around 16+. There isn't really anything that naughty in it, as much as I wanted fireworks to fly with certain characters!
What I did love about this book was the male leads whom were total opposites. You had Ely (Mmm Ely, yes he gets my vote) and John. There's appeal to both of them, but I think most ladies/girls out there will have a preference to one or the other - TEAM ELI all the way here!
Lucy is a complexed character. Without giving spoilers etc, she's very special and has a clever ability. I believe there is a lot more to that ability and we will see it in further books. You also have the main story line of the crime at Lucy's work and also a second storyline which is Lucy herself. So, there's alot going on, but not in a 'confusing where is this going' kind of way.
There was nothing I didn't enjoy about this book. I loved the pace, I loved Lucy (Didn't like her best friend Ana for her 'relationship' choices - but we can't have everything) and even liked the ending with the plot twists and turns. I guess what I don't like will be waiting for the next book!
I gave Trouble Comes Knocking 5 stars as I really loved it and can't wait for book2! TEAM ELY (Have I made my point enough?).
Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
Although Lucy is a little 'sexually deprived' the book would easily be suitable for YA of around 16+. There isn't really anything that naughty in it, as much as I wanted fireworks to fly with certain characters!
What I did love about this book was the male leads whom were total opposites. You had Ely (Mmm Ely, yes he gets my vote) and John. There's appeal to both of them, but I think most ladies/girls out there will have a preference to one or the other - TEAM ELI all the way here!
Lucy is a complexed character. Without giving spoilers etc, she's very special and has a clever ability. I believe there is a lot more to that ability and we will see it in further books. You also have the main story line of the crime at Lucy's work and also a second storyline which is Lucy herself. So, there's alot going on, but not in a 'confusing where is this going' kind of way.
There was nothing I didn't enjoy about this book. I loved the pace, I loved Lucy (Didn't like her best friend Ana for her 'relationship' choices - but we can't have everything) and even liked the ending with the plot twists and turns. I guess what I don't like will be waiting for the next book!
I gave Trouble Comes Knocking 5 stars as I really loved it and can't wait for book2! TEAM ELY (Have I made my point enough?).
Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
November 10, 2013
I received a copy of Trouble Comes Knocking for the purpose of an honest review via NetGalley.
Lucy has an eidetic memory, aka a photographic memory. This has proved to be more troublesome than anything else. Her parents disappeared when she was 16 and she has strange memories from her childhood. She comes across some inconsistencies at her job and people start disappearing and showing up dead. She decicdes to use her ability for good and this is the story of what happens.
It is written as a flashback sort of but that didn't distract me at all. I found the characters of Lucy, Aunt Dee, Ana, John and Eli to be developed and unique. I enjoyed the interaction between them and really liked them as people. They were witty and real. The plot was well thought out and flowed well. Some plot points I could see coming but there were plenty of twists as well. I kept reading because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen! The book wrapped up the major plot points but did end with some unaswered questions making me want to read the next book to find the answers!
I really did enjoy the story and am definitely going to keep an eye out for the continuation of Lucy's story. I wanna know what happens!!!!!!!
Lucy has an eidetic memory, aka a photographic memory. This has proved to be more troublesome than anything else. Her parents disappeared when she was 16 and she has strange memories from her childhood. She comes across some inconsistencies at her job and people start disappearing and showing up dead. She decicdes to use her ability for good and this is the story of what happens.
It is written as a flashback sort of but that didn't distract me at all. I found the characters of Lucy, Aunt Dee, Ana, John and Eli to be developed and unique. I enjoyed the interaction between them and really liked them as people. They were witty and real. The plot was well thought out and flowed well. Some plot points I could see coming but there were plenty of twists as well. I kept reading because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen! The book wrapped up the major plot points but did end with some unaswered questions making me want to read the next book to find the answers!
I really did enjoy the story and am definitely going to keep an eye out for the continuation of Lucy's story. I wanna know what happens!!!!!!!
January 26, 2014
Originally posted at City of Books
Trouble Comes Knocking sounded like an awesome crime thriller, and I really wanted to like it. I mean, a kick-ass protagonist with an eidetic memory, solving crimes like Sherlock Holmes? It's right up my alley! But I was sadly disappointed, and I apologize in advance if I rant a little in my review.
Lucy Carver has an eidetic memory, but she keeps it hidden. She also keeps hidden the fact that she notices a lot more than most people do, and others assume she's psychic or something. When she finds something wrong with the accounting at her new workplace and a coworker is murdered, Lucy knows she has to help. She accepts a consultant job with Detective Eli Reyes, but as she uncovers secrets, she discovers that this series of events has a close relation to her childhood and who she really is.
Throughout most of the book, I really did not like Lucy. She was nothing like what a woman her age and with her abilities should be. Sure, it was cool that she could tell a lot about people's lives just by looking at them - which reminded me a lot of the TV show Sherlock. But honestly, her constant drooling over her boyfriend John and her partner Eli Reyes really annoyed me.
I found the insta-love (or insta-lust) kind of pathetic. Example 1 -
I would spend a lifetime trying to shake that laugh out of him as many times as possible.
This is Lucy talking about John, on page freaking thirteen. She barely knows the guy! Oh, and then if that's not bad enough, after drooling over John for a week or so and almost having sex with him, she’s drooling over Eli, too, just the day after the almost-sex with John. Example 2 -
I motioned for him to continue to the kitchen, and as I walked behind him, I openly ogled the tight muscles flexing in his blue jeans.
Really, Lucy? Oh, and I have more. Lucy is a 22-year-old woman, and she sounds like a freaking tween girl half the time. Examples 3 and 4 -
Oh my God, John is holding my hand! Brain to mouth, use your words, use your words!
He pointed out the different trees and plants, and I spent the entire time staring at him like a puppy just saved from the pound. I didn’t know guys like him existed.
It's kind of obvious from all of this that I couldn't like Lucy at all. I was hoping this book would have more action, looking at the synopsis, but Lucy spends half the time going between John and Eli even though John is her boyfriend, and the other half sitting around calling in sick to work. She doesn't really do much at all, even with the gift she has. That brings me to another point - she calls it her special ability. This isn't a paranormal! Having an eidetic memory is rare, but it's normal. And noticing small things isn't something that puts you on a supernatural level, either. Lucy also jumps to conclusions quite a lot, which really got on my nerves. It's like she does have the brain of a young teenage girl.
I did like John and Eli, though. The characters aren't very well-developed so we don't get to know much of them, and I couldn't relate to them, but they seem like decent guys. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's cool to see how different they are, both appearance-wise and personality-wise.
Most of the novel is very romance-focused, with Lucy cozying up to one guy and then the other. The book does pick up later, though, and the last quarter was really interesting. But in my opinion, that's a little too late for a book to capture your attention.
What I did like was the present-time interrogation at the beginning of each chapter. It's exactly like the style of These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, and it worked really well in that book too. Also, the ending of this book does make me interested in the next one. I don't know if I'll be picking up the next installment, though. Not if the first three quarters are anything like this book's. I've never written a 1-star review on the blog before, but there's a first time for everything, right? And I really was disappointed with this.
*Thank you to Inkslinger PR for providing me with an eARC for review*
Trouble Comes Knocking sounded like an awesome crime thriller, and I really wanted to like it. I mean, a kick-ass protagonist with an eidetic memory, solving crimes like Sherlock Holmes? It's right up my alley! But I was sadly disappointed, and I apologize in advance if I rant a little in my review.
Lucy Carver has an eidetic memory, but she keeps it hidden. She also keeps hidden the fact that she notices a lot more than most people do, and others assume she's psychic or something. When she finds something wrong with the accounting at her new workplace and a coworker is murdered, Lucy knows she has to help. She accepts a consultant job with Detective Eli Reyes, but as she uncovers secrets, she discovers that this series of events has a close relation to her childhood and who she really is.
Throughout most of the book, I really did not like Lucy. She was nothing like what a woman her age and with her abilities should be. Sure, it was cool that she could tell a lot about people's lives just by looking at them - which reminded me a lot of the TV show Sherlock. But honestly, her constant drooling over her boyfriend John and her partner Eli Reyes really annoyed me.
I found the insta-love (or insta-lust) kind of pathetic. Example 1 -
I would spend a lifetime trying to shake that laugh out of him as many times as possible.
This is Lucy talking about John, on page freaking thirteen. She barely knows the guy! Oh, and then if that's not bad enough, after drooling over John for a week or so and almost having sex with him, she’s drooling over Eli, too, just the day after the almost-sex with John. Example 2 -
I motioned for him to continue to the kitchen, and as I walked behind him, I openly ogled the tight muscles flexing in his blue jeans.
Really, Lucy? Oh, and I have more. Lucy is a 22-year-old woman, and she sounds like a freaking tween girl half the time. Examples 3 and 4 -
Oh my God, John is holding my hand! Brain to mouth, use your words, use your words!
He pointed out the different trees and plants, and I spent the entire time staring at him like a puppy just saved from the pound. I didn’t know guys like him existed.
It's kind of obvious from all of this that I couldn't like Lucy at all. I was hoping this book would have more action, looking at the synopsis, but Lucy spends half the time going between John and Eli even though John is her boyfriend, and the other half sitting around calling in sick to work. She doesn't really do much at all, even with the gift she has. That brings me to another point - she calls it her special ability. This isn't a paranormal! Having an eidetic memory is rare, but it's normal. And noticing small things isn't something that puts you on a supernatural level, either. Lucy also jumps to conclusions quite a lot, which really got on my nerves. It's like she does have the brain of a young teenage girl.
I did like John and Eli, though. The characters aren't very well-developed so we don't get to know much of them, and I couldn't relate to them, but they seem like decent guys. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's cool to see how different they are, both appearance-wise and personality-wise.
Most of the novel is very romance-focused, with Lucy cozying up to one guy and then the other. The book does pick up later, though, and the last quarter was really interesting. But in my opinion, that's a little too late for a book to capture your attention.
What I did like was the present-time interrogation at the beginning of each chapter. It's exactly like the style of These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, and it worked really well in that book too. Also, the ending of this book does make me interested in the next one. I don't know if I'll be picking up the next installment, though. Not if the first three quarters are anything like this book's. I've never written a 1-star review on the blog before, but there's a first time for everything, right? And I really was disappointed with this.
*Thank you to Inkslinger PR for providing me with an eARC for review*
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
A New Adult Murder Mystery? Of course I had to try it out! It's nice to see NA branching out into genres other than Contemporary Romance, but Trouble Comes Knocking didn't totally work for me. It was fun, but not all the way over into fluffytown. It has some drama, but it wasn't at all angsty or intense. It falls somewhere in the middle, which was odd, and not all that satisfying. Lucy is twenty-two, lives with her aunt, and can't seem to hold down a job because of her special ability. She has a nearly photographic memory, and can't help but to share everything she sees, whether people want to hear it or not. When someone is murdered at the office she's worked at for three days, she pairs up with Officer Reyes to try to put her oddity to good use. Unfortunately for Lucy, someone is also after her, and it may or may not be the murderer.
One thing that really bothered me about Trouble Comes Knocking was how Lucy's photographic memory was handled. I was really interested in how this would help her solve cases, but it really only comes out when it's convenient. It's also constantly referred to as her "special ability", despite not having any ties to the supernatural. She was born with a gift, and there's nothing weird about it. However, being super duper observant and being able to remember everything she sees apparently also makes her psychic. Lucy is able to draw all kinds of crazy conclusions from what she sees, and I'm pretty sure that's not how it works. I don't doubt that people with eidetic memory are probably better at reading others, but that would come with years of observation and practice. Lucy was isolated for sixteen years, only interacting with her parents, and yet on her first day of high school she's able to guess all kinds of things. I don't think so. I wish the focus had been on her attention to detail, rather than on her being a know-it-all.
The actual murder mystery was also a bust. Lucy was suppose to return to the office, work as usual, and kind of spy for the police department in order to help with the case. However, she spends most of Trouble Comes Knocking calling in sick and sitting around at home or other characters' homes. She really doesn't do much at all. About halfway in, a new mystery is introduce, but it's all about Lucy's strange past. She's not who she thought she was, her parents aren't who she thought they were, and someone is trying really hard to find her. For good or for evil? I have no clue. I did like this part though, since it's quite unique. I definitely want to know more about what really happened to Lucy when she was a child, before her parents took her to live out in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully, this gets picked up in the next book.
I did like parts of Trouble Comes Knocking, but as a whole I found it strange. Lucy is a great character and I like her, but I wish her uniqueness had been presented better. The murder mystery was okay, but seemed to take the background to Lucy's personal mystery. The romance? Well, I don't know. Lucy and John are kind of cute. He's a normal guy, kind of boring, but normal. It does look like a love triangle is in the works, and I much prefer Eli to John, even though I don't think it could work out. Perhaps that will cause some awesome drama?
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
A New Adult Murder Mystery? Of course I had to try it out! It's nice to see NA branching out into genres other than Contemporary Romance, but Trouble Comes Knocking didn't totally work for me. It was fun, but not all the way over into fluffytown. It has some drama, but it wasn't at all angsty or intense. It falls somewhere in the middle, which was odd, and not all that satisfying. Lucy is twenty-two, lives with her aunt, and can't seem to hold down a job because of her special ability. She has a nearly photographic memory, and can't help but to share everything she sees, whether people want to hear it or not. When someone is murdered at the office she's worked at for three days, she pairs up with Officer Reyes to try to put her oddity to good use. Unfortunately for Lucy, someone is also after her, and it may or may not be the murderer.
One thing that really bothered me about Trouble Comes Knocking was how Lucy's photographic memory was handled. I was really interested in how this would help her solve cases, but it really only comes out when it's convenient. It's also constantly referred to as her "special ability", despite not having any ties to the supernatural. She was born with a gift, and there's nothing weird about it. However, being super duper observant and being able to remember everything she sees apparently also makes her psychic. Lucy is able to draw all kinds of crazy conclusions from what she sees, and I'm pretty sure that's not how it works. I don't doubt that people with eidetic memory are probably better at reading others, but that would come with years of observation and practice. Lucy was isolated for sixteen years, only interacting with her parents, and yet on her first day of high school she's able to guess all kinds of things. I don't think so. I wish the focus had been on her attention to detail, rather than on her being a know-it-all.
The actual murder mystery was also a bust. Lucy was suppose to return to the office, work as usual, and kind of spy for the police department in order to help with the case. However, she spends most of Trouble Comes Knocking calling in sick and sitting around at home or other characters' homes. She really doesn't do much at all. About halfway in, a new mystery is introduce, but it's all about Lucy's strange past. She's not who she thought she was, her parents aren't who she thought they were, and someone is trying really hard to find her. For good or for evil? I have no clue. I did like this part though, since it's quite unique. I definitely want to know more about what really happened to Lucy when she was a child, before her parents took her to live out in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully, this gets picked up in the next book.
I did like parts of Trouble Comes Knocking, but as a whole I found it strange. Lucy is a great character and I like her, but I wish her uniqueness had been presented better. The murder mystery was okay, but seemed to take the background to Lucy's personal mystery. The romance? Well, I don't know. Lucy and John are kind of cute. He's a normal guy, kind of boring, but normal. It does look like a love triangle is in the works, and I much prefer Eli to John, even though I don't think it could work out. Perhaps that will cause some awesome drama?
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
December 9, 2013
Oh Crap this was awesome! Review to come!!!!
***********************
Review also appears on my blog All The Bookish Love
Well, well, well… This was definitely not what I expected. When I read the blurb, it piqued my curiosity and it was because of that, that I decided to read it. I felt like it didn’t have that must-read factor, but boy, oh boy was I wrong. I was consumed, and there was no turning back.
I’ve been reading a lot of romance lately, and I was quite happy to settle back into my love for crime/mystery fiction. It got my brain warmed up and different theories of whodunit ran through my head.
This book has some pretty amazing characters, though at times Lucy, our heroine, irritated me right into my little toe. But she had to be a little bit irritating to me, it’s what made her seem so real. And who could blame her? With an eidetic memory, you can’t not be a know-it-all. She’s vibrant and full of life and she comes across as a strong female, which is something that makes or breaks a female POV book for me. She has a past that she knows nothing about and it’s on the fast track of catching up with her. Working as an official consultant with the police on a murder case, it seems like everyone and their brothers are after her, but luckily there are two heroes, who can come to the rescue whenever our fantastic heroine is in trouble (believe me that happens a lot).
Lucy falls for John, the security guard at HGR, for reasons I still don’t quite get (once you hear about the other hero, you won’t get it either), but he seems to be a nice guy, who would go out of his way to keep Lucy in his life. He sounds sort of like a hot nerdy, geeky type and I did grow fond of him as the book progressed. But then we get Eli and hot damn, if you don’t want to jump him when you’ve finished this book, there is seriously something wrong with your lady bits ;). To me, Eli is complete sex-on-legs. He is the perfect combination of hot, manly and comforting. He is the type of guy you know you’d feel safe with, and if he ever wrapped his arms around me in comfort, well… Let’s not go there shall we?
Mary created a fantastic dynamic for this book, solving the main mystery in the story, yet keeping the one mystery we all want solved under wraps. I gotta tell you, I was reading this book on my smartphone and it took all of my willpower not to hurl my phone against the wall. Luckily, Mary is working on a sequel and I just have grabby hands for it already.
All I have left to say is that this was FREAKING AWESOME and thank you Mary Duncanson for this brilliant, mind –blowing read.
***********************
Review also appears on my blog All The Bookish Love
Well, well, well… This was definitely not what I expected. When I read the blurb, it piqued my curiosity and it was because of that, that I decided to read it. I felt like it didn’t have that must-read factor, but boy, oh boy was I wrong. I was consumed, and there was no turning back.
I’ve been reading a lot of romance lately, and I was quite happy to settle back into my love for crime/mystery fiction. It got my brain warmed up and different theories of whodunit ran through my head.
This book has some pretty amazing characters, though at times Lucy, our heroine, irritated me right into my little toe. But she had to be a little bit irritating to me, it’s what made her seem so real. And who could blame her? With an eidetic memory, you can’t not be a know-it-all. She’s vibrant and full of life and she comes across as a strong female, which is something that makes or breaks a female POV book for me. She has a past that she knows nothing about and it’s on the fast track of catching up with her. Working as an official consultant with the police on a murder case, it seems like everyone and their brothers are after her, but luckily there are two heroes, who can come to the rescue whenever our fantastic heroine is in trouble (believe me that happens a lot).
Lucy falls for John, the security guard at HGR, for reasons I still don’t quite get (once you hear about the other hero, you won’t get it either), but he seems to be a nice guy, who would go out of his way to keep Lucy in his life. He sounds sort of like a hot nerdy, geeky type and I did grow fond of him as the book progressed. But then we get Eli and hot damn, if you don’t want to jump him when you’ve finished this book, there is seriously something wrong with your lady bits ;). To me, Eli is complete sex-on-legs. He is the perfect combination of hot, manly and comforting. He is the type of guy you know you’d feel safe with, and if he ever wrapped his arms around me in comfort, well… Let’s not go there shall we?
Mary created a fantastic dynamic for this book, solving the main mystery in the story, yet keeping the one mystery we all want solved under wraps. I gotta tell you, I was reading this book on my smartphone and it took all of my willpower not to hurl my phone against the wall. Luckily, Mary is working on a sequel and I just have grabby hands for it already.
All I have left to say is that this was FREAKING AWESOME and thank you Mary Duncanson for this brilliant, mind –blowing read.
November 1, 2013
Disclaimer: This falls somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars.
So its a great idea, with pretty good characters, and a lot going on within the storyline. But some of those some things can be the drawback-- the characters were set up (in particular Lucy) with a huge storyline, not on the main premise of this book, but also to have further books (I would assume to finish the background part of her story).
Let it be said that the main "mystery" of this novel was resolved, but Lucy's mysterious background wasn't. AND the sad thing is, that I found that more interesting than the murder here.
I loved Lucy and Ana, Eli too. But John? I dont know. It seems like he's out for something-- but what I dont know.
However if there was any correction to this I'd make? I'd trim down on some of the story or details. At points it can be really long, and some sections I even wonder what was the point of it's addition to the story. But wouldn't this just be editor's error?
Anyway, I'm interested in knowing where Lucy's story goes, so count me in for the next installment!
So its a great idea, with pretty good characters, and a lot going on within the storyline. But some of those some things can be the drawback-- the characters were set up (in particular Lucy) with a huge storyline, not on the main premise of this book, but also to have further books (I would assume to finish the background part of her story).
Let it be said that the main "mystery" of this novel was resolved, but Lucy's mysterious background wasn't. AND the sad thing is, that I found that more interesting than the murder here.
I loved Lucy and Ana, Eli too. But John? I dont know. It seems like he's out for something-- but what I dont know.
However if there was any correction to this I'd make? I'd trim down on some of the story or details. At points it can be really long, and some sections I even wonder what was the point of it's addition to the story. But wouldn't this just be editor's error?
Anyway, I'm interested in knowing where Lucy's story goes, so count me in for the next installment!
December 2, 2013
We have an interesting heroine here in Lucy Carver. She is a strong and independent character willing to pursue what is right to the bitter end, even at the risk of her life.
With her special gift, she wants to help others improve their lives. She knows her special gift can be used for the greater good and this thrills her.
After discovering the possibility of fraud at her place of work, she alerts management as to what is happening. No one wants to listen to her but she will not give up. Events happening around her force her into a web of murder, secrets and shady characters. New friends and old friends become involved with her, all at risk of losing their lives.
This book reads as the beginning of a very intriguing series in which we will be regaled with mystery, suspense, thrilling situations with a sprinkling of romance. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
With her special gift, she wants to help others improve their lives. She knows her special gift can be used for the greater good and this thrills her.
After discovering the possibility of fraud at her place of work, she alerts management as to what is happening. No one wants to listen to her but she will not give up. Events happening around her force her into a web of murder, secrets and shady characters. New friends and old friends become involved with her, all at risk of losing their lives.
This book reads as the beginning of a very intriguing series in which we will be regaled with mystery, suspense, thrilling situations with a sprinkling of romance. I cannot wait to read the next book by this author.
April 23, 2014
Arc provided by Netgalley
Five stars for this original riveting mystery with sparks of romance.
I loved the characters, the unique plot, the amazing handle on emotions all over this book and the exceptional suspense that keeps you guessing till the end.
I'd like to ask the author if there are plans to answer the mystery of Lucy's past. If so when can we expect the sure to be waited for sequel
Five stars for this original riveting mystery with sparks of romance.
I loved the characters, the unique plot, the amazing handle on emotions all over this book and the exceptional suspense that keeps you guessing till the end.
I'd like to ask the author if there are plans to answer the mystery of Lucy's past. If so when can we expect the sure to be waited for sequel
November 6, 2013
I recieved an ARC copy of this story. Others are rating 3 1/2 - 4 stars I'd surely without a doubt give this 4 stars. It's a very GOOD read, well worth it and keeps yoiu going throughout the entire storyline.
Did Not Finish
December 21, 2013DNF @ 46%
I won't rate it since I didn't finish it (and as a kindness, because I would probably give it two stars) but here are the review notes I had by the halfway point.
Firstly, I like the cover. Simple. Pretty.
I didn’t like Lucy. She was quite obnoxious, and a lot of times she felt really immature. Her back story was actually interesting, but there wasn’t enough of it to make up for the rest of the story.
The love triangle… unconvincing. When the blurb referred to John as Lucy’s boyfriend, I assumed that meant…boyfriend. If you go on a date with a guy you met three days ago, and the meet someone you like better, it’s perfectly reasonable to just…date the second guy. The first guy isn’t your boyfriend after a few days and one date. I don’t understand why she was so insistent on jumping his bones as soon as humanly possible either—it’s like she knew the relationship had an expiration date so she wanted to squeeze in a little bump n’ grind real quick. As potential love triangles go, this one seems unnecessary.
I should add that I didn’t see any chemistry between Lucy and any other character in the book. Definitely not the guys. It's possible that in the the second half of the book, suddenly there are fireworks, but I'm highly doubting it.
I also didn’t care for Aunt Delores. Or really any character in this book. Natalie was okay.
There should have been some kind of formal break to let the reader know when they were switching between her in the interrogation room and the flashback type scene of when everything was actually happening. This is an ARC though, so maybe they added that to the final edition. They definitely should have.
Nitpick: “[blank] was nothing less than [blank.]” “His laughter sounded nothing less than smug.” It’s kind of a confusing way of wording this—it just sounds wrong. Maybe that’s a matter of personal preference, I just didn’t like it.
Her relationship with Ana? Bull shit. Ana is no best friend—her behavior makes that pretty clear. Why are you going to swear your loyalty to a “friend” who has no loyalty to you? That's stupid, not admirable. By 27%, I was ready for this character to leave as fast as she came and never see her again. This scene was ridiculous. NOBODY recovers from absolute betrayal in roughly 45 seconds. Either she’s a doormat or not reacting realistically—my money is on the latter. It felt like the author just didn’t want to bother with writing the scene. Human emotion? What? Just…. Ugh. I was already not loving the book, but that whole scene almost made me give up on the book without even finishing the chapter.
She laughed. “He is a little whipped.”
The heart wants what the heart wants.
My heart wanted to stop reading, but I felt like I should try to finish.
Lucy’s eidetic memory seemed to only kick in occasionally, not so much with really important details that you’d think she would remember. And the way everyone treated her “ability” was absolutely ridiculous. You can’t tell people that! What are you thinking?! Like she has a second head that only pops out of her neck after midnight or something. Maybe she’s an alien from outer space. Definitely a massive overreaction to eidetic memory. Anyone who would be freaked out by someone telling them they have an eidetic memory is clearly an idiot, and they’re the ones who should be pointed at and looked at funny. Even if it turns out in later books she’s secretly one of three triplet superheroes, since eidetic memory is a feasible explanation, there’s no reason to try to keep everything secret from the people around you. Just say, “I have an eidetic memory.” Person’s probable reaction? “Oh, that’s cool.” The end. No suspicions, no gaggle of villagers with pitchforks and torches, just a normal, human reaction.
What do you do when your aunt invites an unwelcome dinner guest who will undoubtedly cause strife in your already rocky relationship with your new boyfriend? Simply say, “He can’t stay tonight, John is coming over and for reasons I will fill you in on later, he will not be comfortable if Eli is here.” If you actually want him there, just admit it, at least to yourself. If not, then you would have gotten him out of the house. Frankly, if I’m in John’s shoes, this pisses me off, too.
Overall, while I was looking forward to starting it (Sherlock in ballet flats? Yes, please!) I did not connect with this book at all.
I won't rate it since I didn't finish it (and as a kindness, because I would probably give it two stars) but here are the review notes I had by the halfway point.
Firstly, I like the cover. Simple. Pretty.
I didn’t like Lucy. She was quite obnoxious, and a lot of times she felt really immature. Her back story was actually interesting, but there wasn’t enough of it to make up for the rest of the story.
The love triangle… unconvincing. When the blurb referred to John as Lucy’s boyfriend, I assumed that meant…boyfriend. If you go on a date with a guy you met three days ago, and the meet someone you like better, it’s perfectly reasonable to just…date the second guy. The first guy isn’t your boyfriend after a few days and one date. I don’t understand why she was so insistent on jumping his bones as soon as humanly possible either—it’s like she knew the relationship had an expiration date so she wanted to squeeze in a little bump n’ grind real quick. As potential love triangles go, this one seems unnecessary.
I should add that I didn’t see any chemistry between Lucy and any other character in the book. Definitely not the guys. It's possible that in the the second half of the book, suddenly there are fireworks, but I'm highly doubting it.
I also didn’t care for Aunt Delores. Or really any character in this book. Natalie was okay.
There should have been some kind of formal break to let the reader know when they were switching between her in the interrogation room and the flashback type scene of when everything was actually happening. This is an ARC though, so maybe they added that to the final edition. They definitely should have.
Nitpick: “[blank] was nothing less than [blank.]” “His laughter sounded nothing less than smug.” It’s kind of a confusing way of wording this—it just sounds wrong. Maybe that’s a matter of personal preference, I just didn’t like it.
Her relationship with Ana? Bull shit. Ana is no best friend—her behavior makes that pretty clear. Why are you going to swear your loyalty to a “friend” who has no loyalty to you? That's stupid, not admirable. By 27%, I was ready for this character to leave as fast as she came and never see her again. This scene was ridiculous. NOBODY recovers from absolute betrayal in roughly 45 seconds. Either she’s a doormat or not reacting realistically—my money is on the latter. It felt like the author just didn’t want to bother with writing the scene. Human emotion? What? Just…. Ugh. I was already not loving the book, but that whole scene almost made me give up on the book without even finishing the chapter.
She laughed. “He is a little whipped.”
The heart wants what the heart wants.
My heart wanted to stop reading, but I felt like I should try to finish.
Lucy’s eidetic memory seemed to only kick in occasionally, not so much with really important details that you’d think she would remember. And the way everyone treated her “ability” was absolutely ridiculous. You can’t tell people that! What are you thinking?! Like she has a second head that only pops out of her neck after midnight or something. Maybe she’s an alien from outer space. Definitely a massive overreaction to eidetic memory. Anyone who would be freaked out by someone telling them they have an eidetic memory is clearly an idiot, and they’re the ones who should be pointed at and looked at funny. Even if it turns out in later books she’s secretly one of three triplet superheroes, since eidetic memory is a feasible explanation, there’s no reason to try to keep everything secret from the people around you. Just say, “I have an eidetic memory.” Person’s probable reaction? “Oh, that’s cool.” The end. No suspicions, no gaggle of villagers with pitchforks and torches, just a normal, human reaction.
What do you do when your aunt invites an unwelcome dinner guest who will undoubtedly cause strife in your already rocky relationship with your new boyfriend? Simply say, “He can’t stay tonight, John is coming over and for reasons I will fill you in on later, he will not be comfortable if Eli is here.” If you actually want him there, just admit it, at least to yourself. If not, then you would have gotten him out of the house. Frankly, if I’m in John’s shoes, this pisses me off, too.
Overall, while I was looking forward to starting it (Sherlock in ballet flats? Yes, please!) I did not connect with this book at all.
December 21, 2013
I was quick to latch on to Trouble Comes Knocking when I first read about it because it was a New Adult book that was not geared around just straight romance. This one has some romance in it but it’s not the huge part of the story this one is a mystery. I was hoping it was going to be great but instead it was just okay.
Lucy has what I like to call Sherlock Holmes syndrome, she can see things about you that you might not be aware of and tell you what you just did or might be going to do. Being able to remember things because of a photographic memory sounds like it could be a good thing but not for Lucy. She is always getting herself into trouble and this time when she sees some things that are not right at her work place she tell someone. That night that person is murdered and now someone is after her.
I am not a fan of love triangles and I would have thought since it was not a YA book that we might break away from those things but not so much in this book.
When Lucy starts her job she meets John and they sort of hit it off, then she tell him about the discrepancy she sees. Then explains to him how she can see things others don’t and gives examples that sort of freak him out at first. Then he tells her who she might need to go see about the accounting errors. They were actually hanging out with each other when John gets the call about the murder and they both head to the office. This is were Lucy first meets Eli who doesn’t really take her serious until after his accounting people find the same errors. Then he comes to apologize and ask her to keep working at the office and report back anything she might see that is off.
Lucy keeps saying that John is her type but Eli keeps doing his best to interrupt her and John. John is the lean geeky computer guy while Eli is the buff arrogant police detective. Both don’t want to see anything happen to Lucy and she always ends up needing help.
You think it’s all about the mystery surrounding the death at the office then all of a sudden you are thrown into a different mystery.
So it starts out with the murder of Simon Winters and then somewhere in the middle we find out that there might be a reason that Lucy is like she is and someone is after her. She starts remembering things from when she was little, things she heard her parents talking about. When this stranger ask if she is Lucy Carver she knows she has seen him before. Then she remembers that he was the guy talking to her dad when she was little, but has no clue what he wants. Lucy finds out some things about her past and her parents, but it feels like a separate part of the story. Not that it isn’t interesting and I know that it is going to be a part of the series so we needed to know about it, but it just was strange to have two story lines going at once.
I was a little surprised when I found out who the murderer is, but then I had thought about him as a suspect at least once. Over all it was a good mystery and I am interested enough in finding out what happens next.
Lucy has what I like to call Sherlock Holmes syndrome, she can see things about you that you might not be aware of and tell you what you just did or might be going to do. Being able to remember things because of a photographic memory sounds like it could be a good thing but not for Lucy. She is always getting herself into trouble and this time when she sees some things that are not right at her work place she tell someone. That night that person is murdered and now someone is after her.
I am not a fan of love triangles and I would have thought since it was not a YA book that we might break away from those things but not so much in this book.
When Lucy starts her job she meets John and they sort of hit it off, then she tell him about the discrepancy she sees. Then explains to him how she can see things others don’t and gives examples that sort of freak him out at first. Then he tells her who she might need to go see about the accounting errors. They were actually hanging out with each other when John gets the call about the murder and they both head to the office. This is were Lucy first meets Eli who doesn’t really take her serious until after his accounting people find the same errors. Then he comes to apologize and ask her to keep working at the office and report back anything she might see that is off.
Lucy keeps saying that John is her type but Eli keeps doing his best to interrupt her and John. John is the lean geeky computer guy while Eli is the buff arrogant police detective. Both don’t want to see anything happen to Lucy and she always ends up needing help.
You think it’s all about the mystery surrounding the death at the office then all of a sudden you are thrown into a different mystery.
So it starts out with the murder of Simon Winters and then somewhere in the middle we find out that there might be a reason that Lucy is like she is and someone is after her. She starts remembering things from when she was little, things she heard her parents talking about. When this stranger ask if she is Lucy Carver she knows she has seen him before. Then she remembers that he was the guy talking to her dad when she was little, but has no clue what he wants. Lucy finds out some things about her past and her parents, but it feels like a separate part of the story. Not that it isn’t interesting and I know that it is going to be a part of the series so we needed to know about it, but it just was strange to have two story lines going at once.
I was a little surprised when I found out who the murderer is, but then I had thought about him as a suspect at least once. Over all it was a good mystery and I am interested enough in finding out what happens next.
December 19, 2013
Being a huge NA fan, I'm always looking for more unique elements in the genre. Reading about characters with troubled pasts over and over again can be excruciating. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about Mary Duncanson's new series.
Trouble Comes Knocking has some very interesting characters. They were not as developed as I wish they were, but they were certainly extremely likable and I personally felt like they were realistic. Lucy was a feisty character and easy to grow attached to. I wished she was a bit more fleshed out and that we got to know her a bit more in this book, but because this is going to be a series, I reckon it was Mary Duncanson's plan to only give us bits and pieces of information on Lucy's life in this first book. I did really love how devoted she was to her aunt and her best friend. Her love for them was very palpable. Lucy had a sad situation, but she did not let that rule her present. There were definitely some times when I wanted to shake Lucy, because she put her life in danger in order to help others. I just can't fathom why she would want to help out a person she only met a couple of days ago, but I suppose that's what made Lucy such an endearing character. One other thing I did not like very much about her was how she would constantly either omit the truth or refuse to the see the truth. That got a bit frustrating, but by the end of the book, she had learned a lesson. As far as the secondary characters go, I really enjoyed most of them except for John, Lucy's boyfriend, who I have doubts about. I'm hoping we get to know him and the rest of the cast better in the next books.
I think everyone who follows my blog regularly knows what a huge fan of murder mysteries I am. And I love them even better if the murder mystery is one that I can't solve. Trouble Comes Knocking offered a murder mystery that I honestly did not see coming. The murderer never even crossed my mind when we met him which is why I was taken by surprise. The plot itself was highly entertaining. Along with the murder mystery, the author also presented us with a back-story in Lucy's life. While the murder mystery itself was resolved in this book, there's a lot more to learn about Lucy's family and I'm excited at the prospect because there's a lot of sketchy things going on. The writing was decent, but I did have a few qualms about it because of my personal preferences. I thought some scenes were not descriptive enough and there were times when the plot would just suddenly either move forward or jump back to the past that would disrupt the flow. Nevertheless, once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed reading the book.
As you can see, I have mixed feelings about Trouble Comes Knocking. However, I liked it enough to want to continue the series and see what's headed for Lucy and the rest of the characters.
November 26, 2013
Book Review- Trouble Comes Knocking by Mary Duncanson
Lucy Carver is starting her new job, one of many. She has a hard time staying out of trouble. She sees details and remembers almost everything she sees and reads. Lucy has an eidetic memory which makes her special and gets her into trouble.
During her first three days at work as a data entry clerk, she finds discrepancies in the data being entered. Someone in the company is doctoring the numbers. The security guard, John, helps Lucy figure out what to do. He sends her to Mr. Winters, the head of the Accounting Department.
John catches Lucy’s eye and she instantly likes him. He is definitely her type. She is trying to take their friendship to the next level when he gets a call to come back to work. Mr. Winters has been found murdered and Lucy was one of the last ones to talk to him that day. She meets Detective Reyes at the scene and he questions her. She ends up telling him about her gift. He doesn’t believe her until what she claims is proven by the police investigation. He decides to pull her into the investigation and use her on the inside to investigate what is going on in the company.
They start to work together to solve the case. Unfortunately her life becomes dangerous as a result. Someone or ones are trying to kill her. Detective Reyes tries hard to protect her. In fact his job security suffers because of it. Lucy is shocked at how things spin out of control. Detective Reyes stops talking to her, she doubts John’s intentions and innocence, her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, and her past is catching up with her. Plus let us not forget the murder case she is trying to solve to save her friend from work. She is the only one to help and her gift is what can make the difference, that is if she can keep herself alive long enough.
This story was interesting. I like Lucy’s character and the gift she possesses. It makes her life anything but dull. Hiding her true self is an ultimate challenge and no wonder trouble follows her. I love that the author threw her problems with men right in the middle of the investigation. That gave a great twist to the storyline. Her confusion with her feelings was fun to watch her juggle. Then a murder is thrown in for kicks. It was a fun read. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Lucy Carver is starting her new job, one of many. She has a hard time staying out of trouble. She sees details and remembers almost everything she sees and reads. Lucy has an eidetic memory which makes her special and gets her into trouble.
During her first three days at work as a data entry clerk, she finds discrepancies in the data being entered. Someone in the company is doctoring the numbers. The security guard, John, helps Lucy figure out what to do. He sends her to Mr. Winters, the head of the Accounting Department.
John catches Lucy’s eye and she instantly likes him. He is definitely her type. She is trying to take their friendship to the next level when he gets a call to come back to work. Mr. Winters has been found murdered and Lucy was one of the last ones to talk to him that day. She meets Detective Reyes at the scene and he questions her. She ends up telling him about her gift. He doesn’t believe her until what she claims is proven by the police investigation. He decides to pull her into the investigation and use her on the inside to investigate what is going on in the company.
They start to work together to solve the case. Unfortunately her life becomes dangerous as a result. Someone or ones are trying to kill her. Detective Reyes tries hard to protect her. In fact his job security suffers because of it. Lucy is shocked at how things spin out of control. Detective Reyes stops talking to her, she doubts John’s intentions and innocence, her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, and her past is catching up with her. Plus let us not forget the murder case she is trying to solve to save her friend from work. She is the only one to help and her gift is what can make the difference, that is if she can keep herself alive long enough.
This story was interesting. I like Lucy’s character and the gift she possesses. It makes her life anything but dull. Hiding her true self is an ultimate challenge and no wonder trouble follows her. I love that the author threw her problems with men right in the middle of the investigation. That gave a great twist to the storyline. Her confusion with her feelings was fun to watch her juggle. Then a murder is thrown in for kicks. It was a fun read. I give it a 4 out of 5.
November 11, 2013
3.5 stars
One thing I can definitely say about Trouble Comes Knocking is that it felt different from any other New Adult novel I’ve read, which can only be a good thing in a market oversaturated with near identical plots. This book had a mystery element, and it was centred on Lucy as a character. It actually felt like a hybrid New Adult/Adult story, though that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Lucy was a character I think most people can identify with, in that she feels lost and she isn’t entirely happy with how her life has turned out so far. What makes Lucy unique is a past that she doesn’t understand, and the fact that she has an eidetic memory: something that sounds awesome, but has given her more trouble than it's worth.
I was intrigued by the mystery aspect of this novel, and I didn’t figure out the whole plot until it was revealed, which is a nice change. There was definitely some intense action going on, making it exciting to read. On the romance side of things there was a sort-of love triangle, but I didn't mind it too much. One guy Lucy likes from the beginning. John seems sweet and he’s everything that she usually likes, but he’s also a bit suspicious (at least from the reader’s perspective). And then there’s Eli, who’s a bit off limits, as he's the detective supervising Lucy’s involvement on a case. However, the scenes between him and Lucy are full of chemistry and longing. I'm definitely Team Eli.
One element that I found a teensy bit lacking was the look into Lucy's past. It seemed strange that she hadn’t tried to figure out her past before now, and that once she found out some information she wasn’t more concerned about it. However I did like how high stakes that element of the book was, and I understand that this aspect of the story will be continued in the next book (unlike the main mystery, which was solved within this volume).
Overall this is a book that I genuinely enjoyed, both for the plot and the characters. I would gladly read on in this series once the next book is released.
One thing I can definitely say about Trouble Comes Knocking is that it felt different from any other New Adult novel I’ve read, which can only be a good thing in a market oversaturated with near identical plots. This book had a mystery element, and it was centred on Lucy as a character. It actually felt like a hybrid New Adult/Adult story, though that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Lucy was a character I think most people can identify with, in that she feels lost and she isn’t entirely happy with how her life has turned out so far. What makes Lucy unique is a past that she doesn’t understand, and the fact that she has an eidetic memory: something that sounds awesome, but has given her more trouble than it's worth.
I was intrigued by the mystery aspect of this novel, and I didn’t figure out the whole plot until it was revealed, which is a nice change. There was definitely some intense action going on, making it exciting to read. On the romance side of things there was a sort-of love triangle, but I didn't mind it too much. One guy Lucy likes from the beginning. John seems sweet and he’s everything that she usually likes, but he’s also a bit suspicious (at least from the reader’s perspective). And then there’s Eli, who’s a bit off limits, as he's the detective supervising Lucy’s involvement on a case. However, the scenes between him and Lucy are full of chemistry and longing. I'm definitely Team Eli.
One element that I found a teensy bit lacking was the look into Lucy's past. It seemed strange that she hadn’t tried to figure out her past before now, and that once she found out some information she wasn’t more concerned about it. However I did like how high stakes that element of the book was, and I understand that this aspect of the story will be continued in the next book (unlike the main mystery, which was solved within this volume).
Overall this is a book that I genuinely enjoyed, both for the plot and the characters. I would gladly read on in this series once the next book is released.
November 6, 2013
Given by the publisher for an honest review
Trouble Comes Knocking is smart,mysterious and outrageously addictive!!
>>Lucy is an annoyingly intelligent woman with the kindest heart there is..Yes she is a know-it-all,but she kinda does knows it all..She has a special gift,but she doesn't consider herself special.."I'm just me" is what she said..She is a truly unique person with an intense personality and a keen mind..She is selfless and puts herself on the line for those she cares about,her friends and even people she doesn't know that well..She puts herself out there in an admirable way that may be referred to by some as naive or childish.But I see her a courageous young lady who speaks the truth and calls it the way it is..
The consequences matter to her,but they won't stop her from doing the right thing..Hence,she found a way to be herself in the middle of a series of destructions..
And like most women,she is completely blind to men's reactions..I mean,it was utterly obvious that poor Eli had feelings for her,even though he didn't want to or shouldn't..How could she not see it?The answer is the woman-blindness..It was really fun to read when she finally got it!
>>Eli had us get hot and cold showers at some points..When he gave into her,it was like an explosion of firewords..But when he took off to the opposite direction, it was like "Umm What just happened?"..He is really a very straightforward guy,most of the time..Whenever he isn't,it's probably because you'll see Lucy around him!..He is very reliable and someone you can count on..
He may hold his career very high(you'll know what I mean when you read it!),but it is completely understandable..
Plus, if the book ended in a different manner, we wouldn't be begging for a sequel now,would we?
Trouble Comes Knocking is a smart,funny full of romantance,mystery and adventures!!
It's like Nancy Drew but a million times better!!
You can't go wrong with buying this book.I promise!
Trouble Comes Knocking is smart,mysterious and outrageously addictive!!
>>Lucy is an annoyingly intelligent woman with the kindest heart there is..Yes she is a know-it-all,but she kinda does knows it all..She has a special gift,but she doesn't consider herself special.."I'm just me" is what she said..She is a truly unique person with an intense personality and a keen mind..She is selfless and puts herself on the line for those she cares about,her friends and even people she doesn't know that well..She puts herself out there in an admirable way that may be referred to by some as naive or childish.But I see her a courageous young lady who speaks the truth and calls it the way it is..
The consequences matter to her,but they won't stop her from doing the right thing..Hence,she found a way to be herself in the middle of a series of destructions..
And like most women,she is completely blind to men's reactions..I mean,it was utterly obvious that poor Eli had feelings for her,even though he didn't want to or shouldn't..How could she not see it?The answer is the woman-blindness..It was really fun to read when she finally got it!
>>Eli had us get hot and cold showers at some points..When he gave into her,it was like an explosion of firewords..But when he took off to the opposite direction, it was like "Umm What just happened?"..He is really a very straightforward guy,most of the time..Whenever he isn't,it's probably because you'll see Lucy around him!..He is very reliable and someone you can count on..
He may hold his career very high(you'll know what I mean when you read it!),but it is completely understandable..
Plus, if the book ended in a different manner, we wouldn't be begging for a sequel now,would we?
Trouble Comes Knocking is a smart,funny full of romantance,mystery and adventures!!
It's like Nancy Drew but a million times better!!
You can't go wrong with buying this book.I promise!
November 22, 2013
What an unexpected pleasure this book was, I was expecting it to be good but it really did surpass my expectations. Although I will say, as it is labelled NA, that if you are expecting some heat then you are going to be sorely disappointed. While the protagonist are the age range for NA nothing about the content is explicit in any way.
Anyone that has seen the series PSYCH is going to relate to this book the way I did. Told in first person narrative from Lucy’s perspective. Lucy is different, she has had a very sheltered, unconventional childhood shrouded in mystery, making her adorably socially inept. She has an eidetic memory, which she has learned the hard way to keep hidden. Embroiled in a embezzlement/murder investigation and divided between 2 really hot guys.
I could literally see this story playing out in my imagination as I read. Lucy sat in an interrogation room in a police station, recounting the tale to the police officer present. Seamlessly weaving details of the current situation with past revelations.
The plot is very multi-layered, details of the current investigation merge with the past memories creating a tangled web. Where one question is answered another ten take it’s place. You question everyone Lucy is involved with and their motives.
The romance is a secondary aspect within the narrative and while it’s been labelled NA I would have no problem recommending this book for 14+ as the content is in no way explicit.
Trouble Comes Knocking has secrets, conspiracies, mystery, action and hot guys combined with a liberal sprinkling of sarcasm. Ladies and Gentlemen you have yourself a winning story :) I cannot wait for the next installment, with maybe a bit more romance ;)
Anyone that has seen the series PSYCH is going to relate to this book the way I did. Told in first person narrative from Lucy’s perspective. Lucy is different, she has had a very sheltered, unconventional childhood shrouded in mystery, making her adorably socially inept. She has an eidetic memory, which she has learned the hard way to keep hidden. Embroiled in a embezzlement/murder investigation and divided between 2 really hot guys.
I could literally see this story playing out in my imagination as I read. Lucy sat in an interrogation room in a police station, recounting the tale to the police officer present. Seamlessly weaving details of the current situation with past revelations.
The plot is very multi-layered, details of the current investigation merge with the past memories creating a tangled web. Where one question is answered another ten take it’s place. You question everyone Lucy is involved with and their motives.
The romance is a secondary aspect within the narrative and while it’s been labelled NA I would have no problem recommending this book for 14+ as the content is in no way explicit.
Trouble Comes Knocking has secrets, conspiracies, mystery, action and hot guys combined with a liberal sprinkling of sarcasm. Ladies and Gentlemen you have yourself a winning story :) I cannot wait for the next installment, with maybe a bit more romance ;)
February 11, 2014
*I received this book free from Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review*
Lucy Carver’s parents disappeared when she was sixteen and she now lives with her Aunt Dolores. Lucy has an eidetic memory that can cause more trouble than good. She tries to keep this ability hidden until she is asked to use it at her new job by a detective that is investigating a murder.
Lucy is determined to find out what happened when she starts to get flash backs from her childhood. When she almost gets hit by a car and strangers start to show up Lucy decides to do some investigating of her own with her best friend Ana. Is she really ready to start looking for the truth?
Eli Reyes is my favorite character so far. He is a detective that makes Lucy’s body react in a way that she tries to deny. Eli has contracted Lucy to continue to work at her job to use her ability to find out information on the murder case. I think causing issues between Lucy and her boyfriend John is more fun for Eli than getting information from Lucy about what she notices at work.
With the killer still after Lucy and Detective Reyes nowhere to be found she makes a plan. If anything goes wrong she has instructed john to call Eli. Will he show up to protect Lucy?
This seems to be a start of a series that I would really enjoy reading more about, as I felt like this ended with a cliff hanger. Will Eli and Lucy end up together? I surely want to find out!
Lucy Carver’s parents disappeared when she was sixteen and she now lives with her Aunt Dolores. Lucy has an eidetic memory that can cause more trouble than good. She tries to keep this ability hidden until she is asked to use it at her new job by a detective that is investigating a murder.
Lucy is determined to find out what happened when she starts to get flash backs from her childhood. When she almost gets hit by a car and strangers start to show up Lucy decides to do some investigating of her own with her best friend Ana. Is she really ready to start looking for the truth?
Eli Reyes is my favorite character so far. He is a detective that makes Lucy’s body react in a way that she tries to deny. Eli has contracted Lucy to continue to work at her job to use her ability to find out information on the murder case. I think causing issues between Lucy and her boyfriend John is more fun for Eli than getting information from Lucy about what she notices at work.
With the killer still after Lucy and Detective Reyes nowhere to be found she makes a plan. If anything goes wrong she has instructed john to call Eli. Will he show up to protect Lucy?
This seems to be a start of a series that I would really enjoy reading more about, as I felt like this ended with a cliff hanger. Will Eli and Lucy end up together? I surely want to find out!
January 2, 2014
This was an interesting and enjoyable read, however it also felt like it was going to be the start to a series. Lucy's character is intriguing. Blessed with an ability of having an eidetic memory (think Simon Baker's character in The Mentalist) she has no problem in amassing PhDs, she just has one when it comes to keeping her job. And it doesn't bode well that in her first day at her nth one, she suddenly discovers that someones been keeping a different sort of accounting. I liked the story line of Trouble Comes Knocking, it has a different theme that is commonly seen in the New Adult Genre. Lucy is a good character. It did feel that at some point she felt underdeveloped, whether it was because she has things in her past that is a mystery ( and another plot angle in the book) or its going to be explored more in succeeding stories remains to be seen. There is also the prerequisite love triangle but the author is making it hard for the reader to choose which one she should end up with. The writing was good, seamless, good pacing, nice dialogue and enough of a mystery in the plot to keep the reader going. The main mystery gets solve but the underlying one concerning Lucy's past and her love life is left open. Still it was a nice closure but enough of an opening for another book.
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
*The ARC for this novel was provided by the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review*
December 28, 2013
Trouble Comes Knocking will take you on a suspenseful joy ride that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next.
This story is N/A Romantic Suspense. It does not fit the normal "smutty book" genre that I typically read and review. Trouble Comes Knocking has a great cast of characters that had me hooked from the first chapter. Lucy Carver is a girl after my own heart with her photographic memory. I am a freakishly fast reader so I know what its like to know that some people think your weird. Of course I went back and forth over who I think Lucy's love interest should be. Eli or John or John or Eli...Aunt Dee is an amazing nurturing soul and reminds me a lot of my grandmother. Who does not have a friend like Ana? Someone you would call a sister but what to kill as well because she is so beautiful.
I wish I could say that all of the mysteries get solved in this story but they do not. I can say that I did not see what was coming until it smacked me in the face. It was like a scene in a horror movie where you yell at the girl and say don't go in there girl.
If you like suspense with a little bit of romance than you will love Trouble Comes Knocking
This story is N/A Romantic Suspense. It does not fit the normal "smutty book" genre that I typically read and review. Trouble Comes Knocking has a great cast of characters that had me hooked from the first chapter. Lucy Carver is a girl after my own heart with her photographic memory. I am a freakishly fast reader so I know what its like to know that some people think your weird. Of course I went back and forth over who I think Lucy's love interest should be. Eli or John or John or Eli...Aunt Dee is an amazing nurturing soul and reminds me a lot of my grandmother. Who does not have a friend like Ana? Someone you would call a sister but what to kill as well because she is so beautiful.
I wish I could say that all of the mysteries get solved in this story but they do not. I can say that I did not see what was coming until it smacked me in the face. It was like a scene in a horror movie where you yell at the girl and say don't go in there girl.
If you like suspense with a little bit of romance than you will love Trouble Comes Knocking
December 9, 2013
Lucy Carver has a special talent that she keeps hidden. She has an eidetic memory which allows her to recall things in great detail. She notices a serious accounting problem. She tells Simon Winters, the head honcho of accounting and the same day he's murdered. Lucy is drawn into the mystery and now she is working as a consultant with sexy Detective Reyes. Someone thinks she's trouble and is determined to stop her. With the help of her friend, Ana, and her new romantic interest, John, she plans to find the killer. Poor Lucy! Her past is a mystery and her future uncertain. What happens next? Mary Duncanson writes an exciting mystery with characters that are unique and slightly quirky. I love Lucy. She is an intelligent woman who does what she believes is right regardless of the danger. The plot is filled with so many surprising twists. I never suspected who the killer was. A great story! Trouble Comes Knocking is a winner. I can't wait for Lucy to work her magic again.
December 15, 2014
I loved this book, it was so hard to put down! Lucy is a quirky character with a past that she doesn't know anything about. She has an eidetic memory which is a good and a bad thing, but in the case of this pseudo mystery, it is helpful. There is a little bit of a love interest with John, who she met at work, and the police detective, Eli. I'm not sure which one I think will be better for her...only future books will tell!
I liked how the book was written - at the beginning of each chapter it is the present and she is retelling how this whole situation went down to another police officer. While I didn't guess who all was involved in the situation, I had a sneaky suspicion about one character...can't give it away to you though!
I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out.
I liked how the book was written - at the beginning of each chapter it is the present and she is retelling how this whole situation went down to another police officer. While I didn't guess who all was involved in the situation, I had a sneaky suspicion about one character...can't give it away to you though!
I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out.
August 6, 2016
I got a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
Honestly, I wasn't really enamored with this story. The premise sounded good. Lucy, has a unique ability where she has a photographic memory and is a stickler for details. The book is also classified as new adult meets mystery thriller. Of course I wanted to check it out. As a new adult it felt short, yeah there was the hot guys and a love triangle but not much for romance. Then there was too much mystery. The mystery of Lucy's background, the mystery of Lucy's parents, and then finally the murder mystery. I just thought it was over the top and the big bad was just thrown in there at the end.
Honestly, I wasn't really enamored with this story. The premise sounded good. Lucy, has a unique ability where she has a photographic memory and is a stickler for details. The book is also classified as new adult meets mystery thriller. Of course I wanted to check it out. As a new adult it felt short, yeah there was the hot guys and a love triangle but not much for romance. Then there was too much mystery. The mystery of Lucy's background, the mystery of Lucy's parents, and then finally the murder mystery. I just thought it was over the top and the big bad was just thrown in there at the end.
June 25, 2014
Trouble Comes Knocking
Mary Duncanson
Copyright 2013
Lucy has a photographic memory, she does not forget which is more trouble to her than a blessing.
There is a level of romance to this novel because Lucy has serious feelings for John but it certainly is not the central theme.
This book shows us just how muuch trouble Lucys Photographic memory brings her.
Will her gift put friends and loved ones in danger?
Find out by reading Trouble Comes Knocking by Mary Duncanson.
Four out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
Mary Duncanson
Copyright 2013
Lucy has a photographic memory, she does not forget which is more trouble to her than a blessing.
There is a level of romance to this novel because Lucy has serious feelings for John but it certainly is not the central theme.
This book shows us just how muuch trouble Lucys Photographic memory brings her.
Will her gift put friends and loved ones in danger?
Find out by reading Trouble Comes Knocking by Mary Duncanson.
Four out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
December 26, 2013
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review*
3.5
that's really good, i didn't expect something like this but that's really really good. i'll write a full review on my blog (katnissbraid.blogspot.com) but for now i cant tell you that Duncanson's ironic style it's something fresh and new, and i really enjoyed the whole plot, so applause to Mary and her funny and realistic novel.
http://katnissbraid.blogspot.it/2013/...
3.5
that's really good, i didn't expect something like this but that's really really good. i'll write a full review on my blog (katnissbraid.blogspot.com) but for now i cant tell you that Duncanson's ironic style it's something fresh and new, and i really enjoyed the whole plot, so applause to Mary and her funny and realistic novel.
http://katnissbraid.blogspot.it/2013/...
December 19, 2013
Lucy Carver is a unique heroine, a reluctant sleuth with an eidetic memory. Her life is a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and through all the turmoil, Lucy perseveres.
Her family history, her love interest(s), her job, and all other aspects of her life exist in a state of flux, but since this book is the first in a series, some questions raised remain unanswered ... for now ... leaving you thirsting for the next book!
Her family history, her love interest(s), her job, and all other aspects of her life exist in a state of flux, but since this book is the first in a series, some questions raised remain unanswered ... for now ... leaving you thirsting for the next book!
November 26, 2013
3.5 Stars. Was pretty good, liked it and am interested in the next book in the series. Full review to follow on my blog.
November 12, 2013
Great start to a new series, even with the love triangle.
November 28, 2013
I disliked Eli immensely. Everything would have been perfect without him :p Cool story though <3
December 29, 2016
I LOVED this book!
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